Gothic Literature & American Romanticism

Ghosts, dreams, mysterious storms, bumps in the night, and other unexplainable supernatural events populate gothic literature.

Journal Entry – “Gothic”February 28, 2014

When you hear the term “gothic” what comes to your mind? › What other words do you associate with these

words? › What colors? › What type of images come to mind?

If it helps you, make a bubble chart with this word in the middle and list all that comes to mind around it.

Your response should be at least a paragraph!

Image Response I am going to show you a series of

images. I want you to write down the first thing that comes to your mind when you see the picture appear on the screen. Then I want you to answer the following questions:

1. What words come to mind? 2. What colors stand out to you? 3. What is the scene depicting?

Image # 1

Image # 2

Image # 3

Plot Plot driven by violence Being lost in the dark or evil, unfamiliar

places Characters are completely isolated

Themes Search for identity Social alienation Search for truth Dark side of human nature

› Ex. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Setting Dark woods Castles (sometimes abandoned) Any type of abandoned landscape or

building Caves Extreme weather conditions Exotic places

Elements of Romantics Literature

Interest in the bizarre & supernatural. Love of nature. Looks at the world with optimism. Faith in inner experience & power of

imagination. Strong belief in the individual.

Characteristics of Gothic Literature 1. Setting in a castle. 2. An atmosphere of mystery and

suspense. 3. An ancient prophecy. 4. Omens & visions. 5. Supernatural happenings. (things

that cannot be explained) 6. Women in distress. 7. Feeling of gloom or horror. 8. Focus on bizarre situations and

violent events.

The Romantic Hero The romantic hero valued emotion

rather than rational thought. Often lives excluded from society. He/She is usually youthful and

innocent.

The Dark Romantics Emphasizes the supernatural, gloomy, and

morbid. Acknowledged the evil of man and the

horror of evil. Focus on bizarre situations and violent

events. Emphasis on emotion, nature, and the

individual. Explored character’s motivations. Imagination over Reason!

Side Note Remember the Romantic period

has nothing to do with love! It is a literary movement that has nothing to do with being in love!

Gothic Elements T-ChartRomantic/Gothic Elements

Examples From Michael Jackson’s Thriller

1. Setting Dark Woods

2. Focus on bizarre situations

Creatures appearing in the dead of night